"We're Ready for Y2K," InvestorOwned Natural Gas Utilities Say

Investorowned natural gas utilities from across the United
States have reported that they are ready to deliver natural gas to customers reliably
despite Year 2000related challenges, with limited exceptions, and all report that
they will be ready well before Dec. 31, according to the American Gas Association
(AGA). AGA released today the results of its fourth and final survey of its
member gas utilities' preparations for the Year 2000.

"We are extremely pleased that the investor-owned natural gas utilities that deliver
most of the natural gas consumed in the United States have reported that they are
ready for the Year 2000, following their determined efforts to identify, repair or
replace and test their mission-critical systems," said Gary Gardner, AGA's chief
information officer.

"Investorowned utilities have participated in drills and other readiness tests,
sought independent audits of their Y2K preparations and collaborated with key
partners to help maintain reliable service to homes and businesses. Put simply, the
survey suggests that investorowned natural gas utilities are in terrific shape as the
new year approaches," Gardner said.

AGA achieved a record response to the survey, tallying responses that represent
99 percent of the natural gas delivered by its investorowned natural gas utility
members. The companies that participated in the survey deliver 94 percent of all
of the natural gas delivered in the United States, Gardner said.

"The remaining issues for some utilities include finalizing contingency plans,
completing tests of new systems and confirming supply chain and cooperation
none of which is expected to impede readiness," Gardner said

He noted that computerization has helped to enhance the efficiency of many
natural gas utilities, and emphasized that these systems can be operated manually
or mechanically for safety reasons. Nonetheless, Gardner explained, "All of the
companies that responded to our survey say they will have backup plans in place
and tested, and 99 percent will have staff on duty during the date rollover period."

Nine out of ten Americans believe that Y2K will not disrupt their natural gas
service, according to a public opinion poll commissioned by AGA in
midSeptember.

The American Gas Association (AGA) represents 189 investorowned and
municipal natural gas utilities that serve customers in all 50 states. AGA members
deliver natural gas to over 93 percent of the 60 million U.S. homes and businesses
that use natural gas. For additional information, go to www.aga.org.